Stealth redirects use JavaScript-based redirection that bypasses ad-blockers and browser extensions which can strip or block traditional HTTP affiliate redirects. With 30-40% of internet users running ad-blockers, stealth redirects ensure your affiliate links work for all visitors, protecting your commissions from being silently lost.
The Ad-Blocker Problem for Affiliates
What Ad-Blockers Do
- Strip affiliate tracking parameters from URLs
- Block redirects to known affiliate network domains
- Replace affiliate links with non-tracked versions
- Prevent tracking cookies from being set
The Revenue Impact
- 30-40% of internet users have ad-blockers installed
- Tech-savvy audiences can have 50%+ ad-blocker rates
- Each blocked click is a lost potential commission
- Most affiliates never realize they are losing revenue
How Traditional Redirects Work
Standard HTTP redirects (301, 302, 307) happen at the server level. The browser sends a request, the server responds with a redirect header, and the browser follows it. Ad-blockers intercept this process and can modify or block the redirect before it completes.
How Stealth Redirects Work
Stealth redirects load a page normally, then use JavaScript to perform the redirect client-side. Because the initial page load appears to be a normal page (not a redirect), ad-blockers do not flag it. The JavaScript then navigates the browser to the affiliate destination.
Redirect Types Compared
301 Permanent
HTTP
Passes link equity
SEO redirects, moved pages
302 Temporary
HTTP
No link equity transfer
Standard affiliate redirects
307 Temporary Strict
HTTP
No link equity transfer
Form submissions, API redirects
Stealth (JavaScript)
Client-side JS
No link equity transfer
Affiliate links, ad-blocked visitors
When to Use Stealth Redirects
- High-value affiliate links where every click matters
- Tech-focused audiences with high ad-blocker usage
- Links in content targeting developer or IT audiences
- When analytics show a gap between clicks and merchant reports
- Product review sites with high-ticket affiliate programs
When NOT to Use Stealth Redirects
- SEO redirects (use 301 for link equity transfer)
- Internal site redirects (standard redirects are fine)
- Links where you need search engines to follow the redirect
- Audiences with very low ad-blocker rates
- When JavaScript-disabled visitors are a concern
How to Enable Stealth Redirects in WordPress
Install LegendLinks (Pro plan or higher)
Create or edit a link in the LegendLinks dashboard
In the Redirect Type dropdown, select "Stealth (JavaScript)"
Save the link — stealth redirect is now active for that link
You can also set stealth redirects as the default redirect type for all new links in LegendLinks Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are stealth redirects?
Stealth redirects use JavaScript-based redirection instead of traditional HTTP 301/302 redirects. Because they execute client-side, ad-blockers and browser extensions that block server-side redirects cannot easily detect or strip affiliate parameters from stealth redirects.
Do ad-blockers block affiliate links?
Yes. Many ad-blockers maintain filter lists that target known affiliate network domains and redirect patterns. When an ad-blocker detects an affiliate redirect, it can strip tracking parameters, block the redirect entirely, or replace the URL — causing you to lose commission credit.
Are stealth redirects safe to use?
Yes. Stealth redirects are a legitimate technique for ensuring your affiliate links work for all visitors. They don't hide the destination URL from users — the visitor still arrives at the same merchant page. They simply use a different technical method to perform the redirect.
Should I use stealth redirects for all affiliate links?
Not necessarily. Standard 302 redirects work fine for most visitors. Use stealth redirects for high-value links or when your analytics show a significant portion of visitors use ad-blockers. Note that stealth redirects require JavaScript, so they won't work for the rare visitor with JavaScript disabled.
Which WordPress plugins support stealth redirects?
LegendLinks is one of the few WordPress affiliate link plugins that includes built-in stealth redirect support. Most competitors like Pretty Links and ThirstyAffiliates only offer standard HTTP redirects (301, 302, 307).
LegendPlugins Team
The LegendPlugins team builds high-performance WordPress plugins for affiliate marketers and content creators. With deep expertise in WordPress development, database optimization, and affiliate marketing workflows, we create tools that help publishers maximize their revenue.
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